Beirut, Lebanon. Displaced people in Lebanon began returning home on Friday after a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel took effect, assessing damage but with some wary that the truce could be fragile.
Returns to damaged areas
Hills of rubble marked where buildings once stood in the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, an area hit by Israel during more than six weeks of conflict.
In Qasmiyeh in south Lebanon, cars crossed a makeshift passage over the Litani River after the ceasefire began at midnight local time (2100 GMT). Israel destroyed all bridges over the Litani during the war, including the Qasmiyeh bridge on Thursday.
Ali Hamza, who visited his home in the southern suburbs known as Dahiyeh, said his building was still standing. He added that people were afraid to return to live, citing conditions and smells, and said a full return would be difficult despite the hardship of displacement.
Ceasefire announcement and political backdrop
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire between the governments of Lebanon and Israel on Thursday. The Lebanese government has been sharply at odds with Hezbollah over its decision to enter the war and has sought its peaceful disarmament for a year.
Reported violations and warnings
The Lebanese army reported violations of the ceasefire by Israel, including intermittent shelling of several southern Lebanese villages, and urged citizens to delay returning to southern villages and towns.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.
Mixed reactions in Nabatieh
In the largely destroyed southern city of Nabatieh, some returning residents said they would stay, while others said there was nothing to return to.
Fadel Badreddine, who returned with his young son and wife, said the area was unliveable and that they were taking their belongings and leaving again. He called for a permanent end to the conflict so people could return to their homes and lands.
Do you plan to return to your home now, or wait to see whether the ceasefire holds?